For Melbourne-based artiste Sedunath Prabhakar, it was once again a journey through the heart of Oman.
In 2017, Prabhakar had started a portrait series of the late Sultan of Oman along with Indian leaders on the request of Indramani Panday, the then ambassador of India to Oman. This year, current ambassador Amit Narang requested him to do two more paintings in the series, which Prabhakar completed.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Indian Minister of State for External Affairs of India V Muraleedharan and Narang on 3 October in Oman. The event was part of the embassy’s celebration of Gandhi Jayanti, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi which falls on 2 October. The paintings are displayed permanently at the main lounge of the embassy.
“The feel of warm love from friends and artists is overwhelming. It is an honour that the Indian Embassy in Oman has chosen me to paint the portrait series of bilateral relationship among India and Oman,” says Prabhakar.
Prabhakar, who visited Oman for the inaugural function on the embassy’s invitation, says, “It was a great honour to be chosen to make the paintings and also invited as guest on the inaugural function. It was a great experience for me to engage with people from Oman in the art, culture and business space.”
“I consider that it a great opportunity and privilege as an Indian origin Artist who live in Australia. My pleasure is that the call from Oman came because of the unique exhibition I did for Parliament of Victoria.
In 2015, using acrylic medium, Prabhakar painted 50 portraits of people who shaped the future of Australia. Titled Pride of Australia this work, he says, was an expression of gratitude to a country that has given him and his family (wife and two children) a sense of belonging.
Prabhakar took to the brushes from the young age of four. Growing up in his native village in Kerala, the abundant natural beauty with its rich and varied culture of visual tradition influenced his work. “Kathakali, the extremely sophisticated visual art form and other traditional art forms were performed regularly in my village, and this enhanced my artistic sensibilities.”
A self-taught artist, he started painting landscapes mainly using the medium of water colour initially. Later he turned to the medium of oil colour. But it was after he completed a diploma from the prestigious School of Fine Arts, Baroda University, that he evolved as an artist. The education and training in the School of Fine Arts broadened his vision and horizon into more complex aspects of human life and society.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
